Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton secured an appellate court victory against Yelp Inc. after the company allegedly attempted to steer users away from pro-life pregnancy centers and resources.
The Fifteenth Court of Appeals reversed a lower court’s dismissal, ruling that Texas has jurisdiction over the California-based company. The decision represents a significant win for Paxton and for pro-life organizations in Texas, affirming that online businesses targeting Texas consumers cannot evade accountability by operating from another state.
“Yelp tried to play politics and steer users away from pro-life resources, but being based in the criminal-loving state of California will not shield them from accountability,” Paxton said. “I will continue to defend pro-life organizations that serve Texans and make sure that women and families are receiving accurate information about our state’s resources.”
Paxton filed suit against Yelp after the company added what he described as misleading notices to crisis pregnancy center listings in an attempt to divert Texans from pro-life providers. Yelp had previously convinced a trial court to dismiss the case, arguing that Texas lacked jurisdiction over its California operations.
The appeals court rejected that argument, holding that online businesses targeting Texas consumers can be subject to Texas law.
Paxton’s office said it will continue pursuing the case to ensure Texans receive accurate information when seeking pro-life services.
The ruling could carry broader implications for how states regulate out-of-state tech companies that reach consumers through online platforms.